Apparatus for developing and fixing sensitized plates.



Patented Aug. 16, 1910.

A. A. BROOKS.

APPARATUS EOE DEVELOPING AND EIXING SENSITIZED PLATES.

APPLIOATION FILED MAY19,1909.

F I Chl Fl C. 4.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

ARTHUR AUGUSTUS BROOKS, OF ASHTON-ON-MERSEY, ENGLAND.

APPARATUS FOR DEVELOPING AND FIXING SENSITIZED PLATES.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, ARTHUR AUGUSTUS `Bnoo1is, a subjectI of the King of Great Britain, residing at Ashton-on-Mersey, in the county of Chester, England, have invented new and useful Improvements in Apparatus for Developing and Fixing Sensitized Plates, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to an improved apparatus for developing and fixing in daylight, sensitized plates packed in pairs in a two part sheath which can be opened in the plane of the plates, one plate being fixed in each part of the sheath. The parts of the sheath are each formed as a shallow tray, one being sufficiently larger than the other to allow it to fit around the sides. The outside itting part is provided with prominent edges on two sides and the inner tting part has means on the back for gripping it.

An example of two part sheath is disclosed in my application filed May 19th, 1909, under Serial Number 497,103.

The improved apparatus is illustrated in the annexed sheet of drawings in which- Figure 1 represents a front elevation; Fig. 2 a side elevation in section; Fig. 3 a cross section in plan; and Fig. 4 a front elevation in section, Fig. 5 represents on a reduced scale a form of receptacle or tank suitable for holding the developing and fixing fluids as required and for immersing the improved apparatus.

The sheath is shown with its two parts separated in Fig. 2.

Referring now to the several figures, the plate holder represented by 1 is made as a deep receptacle just large enough to hold the two parts 2 and 3, Fig. 2 of the sheath containing the sensitized plates when separated as shown therein. Two grooves 4 Fig. 3, are formed in the receptacle one on each side between which the splayed edges 11 of the sheath are inserted so that the part 2 is securely fixed in the receptacle. In the front 5 of the receptacle an opening 6 is provided by means of which the inner part 3 of the sheath can be drawn away from the outer part, the strap or loop 7 and the ring 8 being used for this purpose. A'cap such as 9 is provided for closing the end of the receptacle. For holding the two parts of the sheath apart, I may use a spring clip such as 10, one tongue 12 of which being adapted to pass through the loop 7 of the part 3 of Specification of Letters Patent.

Application filed May 19, 1909.

Patented Aug. 16, 1910. serial No. 497,102.

the sheath. This holds the part 3 against the front 5 so as to close the opening 6 sufficiently to prevent any rays of light reaching the sensitized surfaces of the plates.

For insertingA the developing or the fixing solution, a hole 13 is provided in the cap and this hole is covered inside by means of a screen or shield such as la forming preferably a channel semi-circular in cross section, the shield being fixed to the cap along the sides and having its ends coming short of those of the cap so as to leave a narrow space 15 for the developing or the fixing solution to run through. This shield traps all the light rays entering the hole 13.

The tank 1G may be of ordinary form and may be made to hold several of the receptacles 1 so that a number of plates may be developed together.

The receptacle may be made of tin plate, brass, vulcanite or any other suitable material.

In use, a sheath containing two exposed plates is inserted into the improved receptacle in the manner hereinbefore stated and the cap put on. By means of the ring 8 which can be pulled through the opening G the plates can be separated, the inner part of the sheath being at once fixed by the clip 10. The receptacle is then inserted into the developing tank. The developing solution is then poured into the receptacle through the hole 13 in the cap until the level rises above the top of the plates the procedure afterward being the usual one.

The plates may be fixed in the same receptacle in a similar manner after they have been developed by substituting the fixing for the developing solution.

lVhat I claim as my invention and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is 1. In combination with a two part sheath each part containing a sensitized plate, one of said sheath parts having a marginal engaging portion and the other having retaining members for separating it from its companion sheath part and provided with means contacting said marginal engaging portion of said first named sheath part, a receptacle for containing said sheath said receptacle having an opening in its side and its top, a cap for closing said top opening, and means for holding the sheath parts separate.

2. In combination with a two part sheath lne-ans for holding one of said sheath parts to permit separation therefrom of its Companion sheath, a cap for said receptacle provided with a filling opening and means for trapping the light entering therethrough.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification in the presence of two Subscribing Witnesses.

ARTHUR AUGUSTUS BROOKS.

Titnesses RIDLEY JAMES URQUHART, WILLIAM JONES. 

